Observational Biases and Improved Modelling of Off-axis Relativistic Jets

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ID: 318308
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Relativistic Doppler boosting significantly affects the observed emission of astrophysical jets resulting in observational biases. In this work we investigate the observational biases and modelling opportunities which arise due to relativistic boosting using two X-ray binary case studies. Using the one-sided jet ejecta from MAXI J1535-571, we demonstrate that incorporating non-detections of the receding jet ejecta into kinematic modelling can significantly improve parameter estimation, reducing posterior uncertainties by over $40{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. For the bipolar jets of MAXI J1820+070, we recover the intrinsic jet rest-frame emission of both approaching and receding jet components, demonstrating that they follow a common powerlaw evolution. Using this rest-frame emission profile as a base model, we show that current observational strategies strongly bias against detecting ejecta with high initial Lorentz factors ≳ 5 and receding ejecta components across a broad region of parameter space. These results highlight the importance of observational strategy selection, particularly early-time and late-time observations, and leveraging non-detections in the modelling of relativistic jets. More generally, quantifying observational biases and maximising modelling capabilities by incorporating the non-detection of receding jets can be employed to enhance interpretation of future gravitational-wave/optically-triggered observations of off-axis, extragalactic jetted transients.
Reference Key
openalex_W7165642563 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors A J Cooper, A P Scott, Lauren Rhodes, Francesco Carotenuto, A K Hughes, James Matthews, K Savard, F. J. Cowie, E L Elley, Clara Lilje, R Fender
Journal monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/mnras/stag1187
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